iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 7h

Is ChatGPT bad for students? Affiliated researcher Sam Gilbert argues that policymakers should take the potential link between declining educational performance and the use of AI chatbots seriously. Read the blog: www.bennettschool.cam.ac.uk/blog/is-chat...

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Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 07/10/2026

New blog: England's Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) spent £15bn between 1999 and 2007. PwC found every £1 generated £4.50 in regional GVA. Then the RDAs were abolished in 2010 and the report virtually vanished. Geoff White says it's time to dig it out. 🧵

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Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 05/10/2026

A new survey of UK professional services firms found 2 in 5 already use AI, but nearly half say no government policy would change their plans. @johnlpoquiz.bsky.social, @alturobov.bsky.social & @ninajorden.bsky.social discuss the barriers to adopting AI & what's needed to overcome them. Link below ⬇️

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Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 29/09/2026

🆕 When AI can draft a briefing in seconds, what are policy schools for? @ninajorden.bsky.social, @dianecoyle1859.bsky.social, @michaelkenny.bsky.social & @terzibus.bsky.social explain why knowledge, judgement & human relationships matter even more in this age of AI. 🔗 bit.ly/4dbSJbR

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Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 22/09/2026

We're delighted to welcome Mary MacLennan to the Bennett School as an Affiliated Researcher. Mary is a behavioural scientist working at the intersection of behavioural science, AI & public policy—driving behavioural science integration across the UN. Watch this space for her insights & expertise!

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Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 21/09/2026

📢 We’re hiring We're looking for a Research Assistant/Associate to join a research project exploring the relationship between wellbeing & productivity at work, in a Cambridge University-wide partnership with KPMG. Apply by 8 October 2026: www.jobs.cam.ac.uk/job/57112/

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Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 18/09/2026

🆕 Beyond the market: What AI tells us about productivity in the household @dianecoyle1859.bsky.social, Mihai Codreanu & Arthur Turrell explore how AI is changing household activity—& why measuring productivity means looking beyond the market economy to what happens at home. 🔗https://bit.ly/4dDLmKj

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Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 14/09/2026

🤖💡 New thought piece: Where are the AI productivity gains? 📈 Outside software development, the evidence that AI is improving productivity remains thin. The barriers are less technical than organisational, argues Affiliated Researcher Sam Gilbert. www.bennettschool.cam.ac.uk/blog/ai-prod...

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Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 07/09/2026

📢🎙️New podcast: How does culture shape us? Richard Westcott talks to Prof Tim Whitmarsh & Cammie Curtin about how culture shapes our identities, behaviour & relationships – from the ancient Greek & Roman worlds to the societies we live in today. 🎧Listen on your favourite platform: pod.fo/e/5e32c8

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Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 21/08/2026

How is the way we connect changing in a world increasingly shaped by online communities & algorithms? @profsanderlinden.bsky.social & Marion Hoffman explore how digital spaces influence social cues, opinions, trust, decision-making & the way we understand each other. 🎧https://pod.fo/e/4ec503

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Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 20/08/2026

🚨The Cambridge Phenomenon—what can we learn about the role of institutions & infrastructure? Dr Julia Wdowin traces some of the historical developments behind the Cambridge phenomenon & what it can teach policymakers about enabling sustainable, place-based growth across the UK. tinyurl.com/46shdwbu

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Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 12/08/2026

Today’s environmental, economic & social challenges share the same root cause: fragmented policymaking. In the concluding Reynolds Lecture, Dame Fiona Reynolds made the case for putting nature, beauty & belonging at the heart of public policy. Read the write-up & watch the recording bit.ly/4fTkrMh

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Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 07/08/2026

The AI race isn't just about the US & China. New #AIxGeo research from Dr Siyi Liu is exploring how middle powers like the UK & South Korea can build influence through trusted partnerships, not AI self-sufficiency. Read the blog: bit.ly/4g0FcVe

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Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 04/08/2026

📢 New research identifies five fundamental problems with the UK's public spending system: short-term budgeting, fragmented governance, blurred accountability, weak incentives for long-term investment, and a gap between evidence and political decision-making. Read the report: bit.ly/4g9xgSB

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Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 03/08/2026

We're delighted to welcome Elise Antoine as an Assistant Professor to the Bennett School where she'll teach on our MPhil in Public Policy. Elise's research examines how politics shape the governance of new technologies, & how those technologies reshape policy processes.

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Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 03/08/2026

The UK's public spending system is no longer fit for the challenges of the 21st century New research shows the UK's public spending system remains focused on short-term control, compliance & annual budgeting, despite the complex realities of modern governance & public service delivery bit.ly/4xbMAny

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Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 30/07/2026

New research by top economists reveals the UK's spending system is no longer fit for the way public services are delivered today. Fundamental reform is needed to create a spending system that supports long-term investment, better public services and stronger outcomes. Report: bit.ly/4pMQ7WM

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Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 09/07/2026

Last night, we welcomed Dame Fiona Reynolds for the final Reynolds Lecture, challenging us to place nature, people & place at the heart of governance. She reflected on how 'beauty' is fundamental to human wellbeing, good public policy, & a sustainable future. View the photos: flic.kr/s/aHBqjCYKPm

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Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 08/07/2026

How can governments make better decisions in an increasingly uncertain world? In a new blog, Geoff White argues that decades of centralisation have limited the UK's ability to learn & adapt. Could "devolution plus"—championed by Andy Burnham— create a more resilient state? shorturl.at/fNwBL

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Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 07/07/2026

🎙️ New Crossing Channels podcast: What's behind the rise of populism? Richard Westcott chats with @d-luca.bsky.social (@cam.ac.uk) & Laurenz Guenther (@tse-fr.eu) about how place, inequality, and everyday lived experiences shape political attitudes. 🎧 Listen: shorturl.at/77gHX

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Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 06/07/2026

Beyond the AI arms race: the cooperation we’re missing In a new anthology of essays offering an alternative narrative to the AI arms race, @alturobov.bsky.social explores why cooperation—not just competition—is shaping the future of global AI governance. www.bennettschool.cam.ac.uk/blog/beyond-...

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Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 02/07/2026

In our new AIxGEO essay anthology on Reimagining the Arms Race, @dianecoyle1859.bsky.social writes: "Treating AI as an Arms Race frames the technology as a zero-sum geopolitical contest rather than recognising its potential as a broad-based driver of economic growth." Read essay: shorturl.at/hMo55

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Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 01/07/2026

Join us for the last in the Annual Reynolds Lecture Series as Fiona Reynolds presents on "Nature, people and place: the mess we’re in and a possible pathway out". 📅 Wednesday 7 July 2026 🕠 17:30–18:45 followed by drinks 📍 Emmanuel College, Cambridge CB2 3AP 🎟️ Register: shorturl.at/d1aoo

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Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 01/07/2026

Framing AI as a US–China arms race isn't just wrong—it's dangerous. Our new anthology, Reimagining the AI Arms Race, features 10 essays by policymakers, academics & public intellectuals, incl. @dianecoyle1859.bsky.social & @alturobov.bsky.social exploring alternative ways. 👉https://shorturl.at/GR6yO

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Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 30/06/2026

In a recent article for @thetimes.com, columnist Emma Duncan reports that Andy Burnham's team is developing proposals to devolve power from Whitehall, building on ideas he outlined at the Bennett School of Public Policy's Annual Conference in March 2026. 🧵1/3

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Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 29/06/2026

The Bennett School has launched a new Advisory Board to help steer its research & teaching programmes. Bringing together experts from academia, businesses & government from across the World, the new Advisory Board will inform the growth and direction of the School. Full story: shorturl.at/xDcTJ

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Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 23/06/2026

New research by @dianecoyle1859.bsky.social, Jun Du & Xiaocan Yuan highlights how Manchester’s strong productivity growth has been fuelled by attracting high-value foreign investment & channelling it into knowledge-intensive sectors such as digital, R&D & professional services. shorturl.at/rT3SM

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Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 22/06/2026

Following Andy Burnham's appearance at the Bennett School's Annual Conference, @drbethkitson.bsky.social & @ojgarling.bsky.social analyse how his record in Greater Manchester offers a potential blueprint for governing the UK. Read the blog: youtu.be/f8pVBUAp89M?...

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Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 17/06/2026

It’s Men’s Health Week. Dr Dimitrios Panayotopoulos-Tsiros explores how walking groups, workshops & peer networks help men connect. He asks where these supports exist, where the gaps are, & how policy can strengthen them without losing the trust that makes them work. Read more: shorturl.at/QCV5n

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Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 16/06/2026

From crisis management to place building: reimagining local government New blog by Helen Paterson, CEO of Northumberland County Council, says it's easy for the national conversation to focus solely on crisis management but councils are much more than providers of statutory services shorturl.at/Yi9mb

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Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 16/06/2026

Join us for this year's Reynolds Lecture - "Nature, people and place: the mess we're in and a possible pathway out" - delivered by Dame Fiona Reynolds. 📅 Wednesday 8 July 2026 🕠 17:30 - 18:30 📍 Emmanuel College, St Andrew's St, Cambridge CB2 3AP 🎟️ Free – booking required: shorturl.at/8h7pE

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Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 15/06/2026

As councils face rising demand and financial pressure, their unique democratic legitimacy, local reach, & power to shape places can be overlooked. Dr Helen Paterson, Chief Exec at Northumberland County Council, shares what collective action can achieve. www.bennettschool.cam.ac.uk/blog/time-to...

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Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 12/06/2026

Join Kate Sargent, Chief Data Officer for the @financialtimes.com, as she reflects on her career leading data transformation across some of the UK's most recognised brands. 📅 Tue, 23 Jun 2026 🕞 15:30 – 16:30 📍 The Glasshouse, Innovate Cambridge, CB2 1LQ 🎟️ Register: www.c2d3.cam.ac.uk/events/caree...

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Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 11/06/2026

New blog, by Christina Beatty, @cwarnock.bsky.social, Peter Tyler, & Geoff White, says addressing spatially concentrated economic inactivity is an economic necessity. Govt should combine demand & supply-side measures to increase job opportunities in designated Inclusive Growth Areas. bit.ly/4xdBnnf

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Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 10/06/2026

Echoing the recent Milburn Report, a new blog argues that tackling regional economic inactivity means not only improving skills support, but creating hundreds of thousands of quality jobs in the places where inactivity is highest, backed by targeted Inclusive Growth Areas. Read: bit.ly/4xdBnnf

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Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 09/06/2026

Featured in @thetimes.com today: new research led by @terzibus.bsky.social argues that SpaceX's hold over orbit is comparable to the East India Company's dominance of global maritime trade, and warns of unchecked corporate power in the space sector. lnkd.in/eQymXbcE

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Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 08/06/2026

Is AI observable in the UK productivity statistics? The effects of AI are starting to be visible in the UK productivity statistics with the rise of data centres, @thomasaubreycca.bsky.social argues. But given AI’s inexorable demand for electricity, to what extent is this sustainable? bit.ly/4eagsc2

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Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 04/06/2026

We're looking for an Assistant Professor in Public Policy to lead on our successful MPhil in Public Policy. You'll deliver lectures, supervise dissertations, and conduct small-group teaching while pursuing world-class research. 🔗 Apply by 9 June 2026: www.cam.ac.uk/jobs/assista...

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Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 04/06/2026

A new report published yesterday by the @houseofcommons.parliament.uk Science, Innovation & Technology Committee refers to research by the Bennett School in warning that the UK's over-reliance on a few major technology providers poses an "unacceptable point of weakness" for public infrastructure. 1/

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Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 03/06/2026

New research by @terzibus.bsky.social & Stefano Marcuzzi explores how frontier firms like SpaceX can amass market power, exploit legal ambiguity, blur the boundary between public & private authority, & acquire governance-like functions in domains beyond sovereign reach. bit.ly/outsourcingf...

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Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 02/06/2026

UK creative industries have grown strongly, but headline figures hide regional differences. Creative jobs are spread more widely than GVA, which remains concentrated in London & the South East. Comparing jobs & value shows where activity happens & why regions need tailored support. 1/2

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Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 01/06/2026

Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge is hiring a Research Assistant in Public Policy! Work with @michaelkenny.bsky.social on projects for the new Bennett School of Public Policy including UK devolution, regional place-based policy, & inter-governmental relations. Apply by 18/06/26: bit.ly/4uL5bWQ

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Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 01/06/2026

New podcast: Who can we trust online? Richard Westcott (host) talks with Rachel Adams @cam.ac.uk & Tiziana Assenza @tse-fr.eu about how AI, algorithms, & human psychology shape the spread of misinformation, & what we can do to protect democracy & the digital environment. 🎧https://pod.fo/e/424567

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Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 01/06/2026

The UK creative industries are a powerhouse for economic growth, but standard data often misses their true scale. In a new blog, Burcu Sevde Selvi discusses her latest research on how we measure creative value, firm growth, finance access, & how AI is reshaping the sector's future bit.ly/CreativeUKB

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Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 29/05/2026

We're looking for an Assistant Professor in Public Policy to lead on our successful M.Phil in Public Policy. You'll deliver lectures, supervise dissertations, and conduct small-group teaching while pursuing world-class research. 🔗 Learn more & apply by 9 June 2026: lnkd.in/edF68MKf

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Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 29/05/2026

We're looking for an Assistant Professor in Public Policy to join our team. They'll be expected to provide at least 40hrs of lectures & seminars annually, supervise M.Phil dissertations, conduct small-group teaching, & perform academic administration & examining. Apply by 9 June 2026: bit.ly/4fIVvr6

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Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 27/05/2026

Earlier this month, @uocuniversitat.bsky.social awarded the Bennett's @dianecoyle1859.bsky.social an honorary doctorate for her work in economics. In her acceptance lecture, she championed the vital role of universities as cultural & social institutions in these "extraordinarily turbulent times".

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Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 25/05/2026

At our Annual Conference, Andy Burnham proposed a shift away from Westminster’s top-down mandates toward a place-based model. In a new blog, @drbethkitson.bsky.social & @ojgarling.bsky.social look at whether "Manchesterism" could fix Westminster. Read: bit.ly/4uycnFJ

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Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 21/05/2026

Andy Burnham took centre stage at this year's Annual Conference discussing the way to economic growth. In a new blog, @drbethkitson.bsky.social & @ojgarling.bsky.social look at how the lessons of Burnham's mayoral tenure might frame his approach to possibly leading the nation. bit.ly/4nFDewX

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Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 19/05/2026

With Andy Burnham now at the heart of the national political conversation, his vision for the UK's economy is more relevant than ever. At our Annual Conference in March 2026, the Greater Manchester Mayor outlined why essential infrastructure is the foundation for national growth. 👇 bit.ly/48c0qfH

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